Otuke, Uganda | Julius Acon Bua, Member of Parliament for Otuke East Constituency, has petitioned President Yoweri Museveni to reverse the Judiciary’s decision to relocate Otuke District’s High Court cases from Lira to Patongo, citing logistical burdens and limited access to justice.
In a letter addressed to the President and officially received at State House on 14th May 2025, Acon described the move as detrimental to court users from Otuke, Alebtong, and surrounding areas.
He expressed concern that the shift would cause more harm than good, particularly to vulnerable residents seeking timely justice.
1. Longer Distance to Patongo
The MP noted that Patongo is 89km from Otuke, while Lira is only 66km away.
He said this extra distance increases transport costs and delays, making court attendance more difficult, especially for the poor.
2. Limited Accommodation in Patongo
Acon pointed out that Lira City has more accommodation facilities for litigants, lawyers, and witnesses who might need to stay overnight during court proceedings.
3. High Criminal Case Load
He cited statistics showing that Otuke and Alebtong districts register a significant number of criminal cases and argued that relocating the court to a distant location could hinder the prosecution and fair handling of these matters.
MP Acon proposed two alternatives:
1. Creation of a New High Court Circuit: He urged the establishment of a new circuit to serve Otuke, Alebtong, and Dokolo districts to ease access to justice.
2. Return to Lira High Court: If a new circuit is not possible, he recommended that Otuke’s jurisdiction be returned to Lira High Court.
The petition was copied to the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Principal Judge, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Group, Woman MP Otuke, Otuke RDC, and the LC V Chairperson.
Acon emphasized that the current arrangement does not serve the interests of the people and called for urgent reconsideration.
He concluded that maintaining or improving judicial access through either of the proposed solutions would ensure fair, faster, and more efficient justice delivery to the people of Otuke and neighbouring districts.
